Hi, Toby here

Feb. 22 2007

For your interest and consideration, I would like to pass on two separate communications pertaining to the ongoing occupation at Caledonia/Six Nations.

The first communication is an email from a local constituent, urging residents to participate in the ‘black bow’ campaign to mark the unhappy anniversary of the occupation.

The second communication – titled ‘Fact Check’ – is PC Leader John Tory’s reaction to Minister Ramsay’s comments yesterday downplaying the impact of the occupation. 

Thanks for your time.

~Toby

1)  Black Bows (as forwarded to me by a local constituent)

Regarding our unhappy first anniversary on 28th Feb, 2007.  It has been suggested we hang black bows on our homes and vehicles this weekend.  We must continue to send a message to all levels of government. 

Many are not comfortable speaking up (I understand that) but this is something we can all do to make a statement.  Lets make this weekend black ribbon weekend.........if possible buy supplies in town to help out some of our stores.

Black bows can be made from black plastic table cloths (available at buck stores) or black garbage bags.

Please forward this to everyone on your email lists, whether they live in Caledonia or elsewhere the more people involved the better.

 

2)  Fact Check

MCGUINTY LIBERALS OUT OF TOUCH AGAIN ON CALEDONIA

The McGuinty Liberals showed once again today they are completely out of touch when it comes to Caledonia. Today David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs said he is proud of how his government has handled the Caledonia situation and said: “there’s been some disruption obviously to the public peace, but nobody has been hurt in a serious way.”

Media headlines tell a different story:

“Caledonia resident afraid after home is ransacked” Dunnville Chronicle, Dec. 27, 2006

“Man faces attempted murder charge after day of violence in Caledonia” Simcoe Reformer, June 12, 2006

“Caledonia scuffle leaves three men hurt: Cameramen swarmed, elderly couple surrounded” National Post, June 10, 2006

“TV cameramen assaulted covering Caledonia protest” The Toronto Star, June 10, 2006

“Residents desperate ‘to live a normal life again’” Hamilton Spectator, June 22, 2006

“Rocks fly in Caledonia dispute” Welland Tribune, Aug. 8, 2006

“Surrounded by rage; trapped in their car in Caledonia” Simcoe Reformer June 15, 2006

“Three hurt in fire on occupied land site” Hamilton Spectator, Aug. 31, 2006

“Violence flares again at Caledonia” Sarnia Observer, August 9, 2006

“Rocks fly as fracas erupts at Caledonia” National Post, August 8, 2006

“100 days of fear, anger in Caledonia” The Hamilton Spectator, June 8, 2006

The Minister’s comments are the latest attempt by the McGuinty Liberals to downplay the situation in Caledonia and mislead Ontarians. Here are a couple other things Dalton McGuinty and Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter have said:

“At the present time, there is no occupation. I'm not aware of any mayhem.” – Monte Kwinter, St. Catharines Standard, July 27, 2006

“This has gone 99 days largely without incident, without injury and without war.” – Dalton McGuinty, Ontario Hansard, June 6th, 2006